Behind the Blogger – Lainy Swanson from Always Reading

Tell me about the person behind the blog?

I am a Scottish bookworm. I got into reading as a kid, I came across Stephen King’s IT and really was too young to be reading something like that. However it sparked a love of reading that has only deepened as I got older and Master King, despite his work being different now from his original works (in my opinion) he is still one of my no.1 authors.

When did you start blogging and why?

Six years ago, I found I kept buying books, getting about 20-100 pages in and realising I had already read it. I decided to start keeping a log and a wee description of what I thought of it and what it was about. Goodreads linked perfectly into it, also easier to search when in a book shop going to buy a book and I really enjoyed doing it. It was mostly just for me, then somehow word spread, bloggers and readers interacted with it and then publishers & authors would send me review requests and ARCs. Still amazing to think of it really, my reviews aren’t highbrow or using big fancy words but people seem to respond positively to it.

What are your proudest moments or achievements to-date as a blogger?

Um I think really it is meeting some truly amazing people to be honest, having some of my reviews quoted by authors or being acknowledge in books. It is quite something to have your words quoted when you really only wrote them for yourself not imagining the author(s) would see or acknowledge them, let alone quote them.

If you had to breakdown the components of your ideal perfect book what would they be?

I know some people hate this but I love all my ends being tired up, I hate being left with more questions. I love curve balls, when you don’t see something coming especially when it all links and you don’t realise you missed something. Characters you love to hate are often a nice change of pace, some of the baddest characters are the best, Hannibal Lecter is a monster but pure genius! Engagement from the opening chapter, realism & of course originality goes a long way. I love reading but I don’t envy authors their job, even a masterpiece will never please everyone.

What is your favourite genre to read?

Horror has always been my first love, it is what got me hooked. However, I have been exposed to so many new authors and genres from all the book clubs that I think it is really hard to narrow it down to one genre. I seem to get through more crime and psychological thrillers of late and after indulging in that you need a light fluffy read but my first answer I think would always be horror.

If I asked you to recommend 3 books what would they be and why?

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, I have bought it over 13 times as I keep giving it out when folk say they haven’t read it and then rebuy it as it is a keeper. I also gave it out on world book night a few years back. I think it is just one of those stories that grabs you, funny, sad, moving and makes you thinking about life.

A Time To Kill by John Grisham, in a racist town a young child is raped and beaten by two white men. The story is what happens when these two vile creatures go to court and what follows after. I was a pre teen I think when I read it and it has stayed with me. You don’t realise just how much evil is out there and what can happen when good people try to make a change/difference. I haven’t read it in years, have it as a keeper and need to re read as an adult.

3rd is a hard choice as I have a few belters I love but I am going to go with The Green Mile by Stephen King. Again another brilliant stories that looks at good and bad people, justice and a world where there are miracles and the justice system doesn’t always prevail.

Finally, tell me more about your blog and why we should subscribe.

The blog is my place for book musings, unlike a lot of blogs I don’t just post the books I love, I post from 1-5 stars (1 the least liked and 5 I totally loved it). I always try to be positive even in books I really disliked because one man’s trash is another’s gold and I have bought many a book from 1 star reviews as what one person hated is what I love in a book. I host a giveaway (pre-loved or brand new) and I don’t do many but sometimes have Q&A’s with authors. I also try and cover as many book events as I can on there so there is something for everyone I would like to think. Apart from anything else, my wee cat is on there and she is beautiful (for being practically gumsy and old) so there is always that 😀